TRACKLESS EXTENDABLE CURTAIN

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a curtain, and in particular to a trackless extendable curtain. Background of the Invention [0002] Panel curtains are becoming increasingly popular owing to both- changing style trends and improvements in manufacturing technology. These curtains consist of an array of suspended panels, with each panel being similar in both appearance and function to an unwound roller blind. Panel curtains are often used for their aesthetical appeal, and can offer a unique style of window coverage different from that provided by conventional forms of window covering, including standard fabric curtains, roller blinds, or vertical or horizontal blinds. As such, panel curtains often find use in settings such as galleries and designer homes, where their unique style often compliments a designer window or a glass wall and often contributes to the overall aesthetic effect of the building interior. Panel curtains are also used in applications in which a series of roller blinds is preferred over a standard curtain, but where the roller blinds cannot be accommodated above the window due either to an aesthetic preference or to a lack of mounting space for the roller blind mechanisms. [0003] Several curtains comprising sliding panels have been previously disclosed. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,911,991 to Malferrari discloses an overhead track supporting a plurality of sliding modular segments each earn ing a curtain panel. To draw the curtain closed, the sliding segments are moved along the track so as to provide an array of panels covering the window. A mechanism is provided to enable a relative movement between adjacent panels such that, when pulled to provide covering, the panels can be moved along the track in unison. [0004] U.K. Patent No. 2,416,983 to Chuang discloses an overhead track supporting a connected series of support bracket, where each bracket carries a curtain panel. The brackets are each connected to the track by a sliding member that guides the sliding motion of the connected supports along the track. Window coverage is provided by sliding the brackets along the track so as to form a curtain consisting of an array of panels. The support brackets are laterally offset such that the panels stack in an overlapping relationship when the curtain is drawn closed.

[0005] Another form of curtain used in certain applications is the telescoping curtain, in -which a curtain rod supporting a curtain is able to extend or retract in a telescoping manner. Here, the telescoping rod comprises a set of concentrically- connected tubular segments mounted at one end -which can elongate to form a cantilever rod. As with a conventional curtain rod, the telescoping rod can support a suspended curtain slidably connected to the rod by a plurality of curtain rings. Retracting the curtain rod involves sliding the series of segments into a nested configuration that occupies a smaller volume. This feature of retractability can be desirable in environments in which an otherwise protruding curtain rod might pose a safely hazard, as with a shower curtain rod in a child ^' s bathroom, or which would otherwise obstruct the movement of furniture or people within the room, such as with a privacy curtain for a patient ^' s quarters in a hospital. The concealability of a telescoping curtain can also find applications where an otherwise permanently- mounted curtain rod or track would be undesirable for aesthetic or style reasons. [0006] Several designs of telescoping curtain rods have been disclosed. For example, U.K. Patent No. 2,222,069 to James et al. discloses a rod for a shower curtain or towel comprising a mountable first section of a tube and a second section in the form of a bar or tube that is slidably mounted in the first section so that the rod is extensible. The first section can be integrated with a base plate so that the rod can be mounted onto a wall or similar surface.

[0007] U. S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0218717 to van den

Bosch discloses a shower telescoping panel support having a telescoping shower curtain rod that has one end pivotably affixed to a mounting or support bracket. The rod is rotatable about a } -axis through a horizontal plane by means of a hinge, which allows the rod to assume any of a variety of positions within the plane. The ability of the rod to telescope allows its second end to be connected to an opposite wall of the shower within the hinged plane of motion.

[0008] How ever, while telescoping curtains and panel curtains are known, no design combines the advantages of both into a single curtain design. Such a design would integrate the aesthetic and functional benefits of a stackable panel curtain with the structural benefits of a telescoping curtain, where the support assembly would remain concealed when the curtain is retracted.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel trackless extendable curtain.

Summary of the Invention [00010] As full}' described herein, the telescoping panel assembly disclosed is novel and combines the structural advantages of a telescoping curtain, such as variable length and space saving ability, with the aesthetic benefits of a panel curtain. [00011] An attractive feature of one of the embodiments described herein is the ability of the unit to be readily assembled by the user to fit a window of any size without using any tools. This embodiment relies on a second support bracket that can be held against a wall and/or ceiling through the use of a support pole. This obviates the need to permanently affix the bracket to either the wall or ceiling, which t\ pically would require the user to drill through drvwall or concrete, for example, to insert mounting fasteners such as screws. Another attractive feature of this same embodiment is the use of a greater number of extendable segments, which increases the maximum extendable length of the assembly to provide coverage for very wide windows. In aspects of the invention, the number of extendable segments may be up to 4, 5, 6, or more. [00012] Accordingly, in one aspect there is provided a telescoping panel assembly comprising a coaxial arrangement of telescoping segments, at least one of the segments supporting at least one associated panel, and at least one of the segments configured to be mountable to a support surface.

[00013] In another aspect, there is provided a telescoping panel support comprising a coaxial arrangement of telescoping segments, at least one segment configured to support at least one associated panel, and at least one of the segments configured to be mountable to a support surface.

[00014] In still another aspect, there is provided an assembly kit for a telescoping panel comprising a plurality of nestable segments, at least one segment being configured to support at least one associated panel, at least one of the segments configured to be mountable to a support surface, wherein said segments are connectable to form a coaxial arrangement of telescoping segments.

[00015] In another aspect there is provided a telescoping panel assembly comprising at least two coaxial arrangements of telescoping segments, said at least two arrangements being adjacently connected, at least one of the segments supporting at least one associated panel, and at least one of the segments configured to be mountable to a support surface.

[00016] In still another aspect, there is provided a telescoping panel support comprising at least two coaxial arrangements of telescoping segments, said at least two arrangements being adjacently connected, at least one segment configured to support at least one associated panel, and at least one of the segments configured to be mountable to a support surface.

[00017] In another aspect, there is provided a telescoping panel assembly comprising a coaxial arrangement of six telescoping segments, each segment supporting an associated panel, an outermost segment having a first bracket attachable to a second bracket, the second bracket being configured to be mountable to a to a wall or a ceiling and having gripping features on an upper surface for gripping the ceiling, the second bracket also having a receptacle for a support pole, and a spool assembly attached to the bottom of each panel for storing a portion of the panel. [00018] In still another aspect, there is provided a telescoping panel support comprising a coaxial arrangement of six telescoping segments, each of the segments configured to support an associated panel, an outermost segment having a first bracket attachable to a second bracket, the second bracket being configured to be mountable to a wall or a ceiling and having gripping features on an upper surface for gripping the ceiling, and the second bracket also having a receptacle for a support pole. [00019] In another aspect, there is provided an assembly kit for a telescoping panel comprising six nestable segments connectable to form a coaxial arrangement of telescoping segments, each of the segments configured to support an associated panel, an outermost segment having a first bracket attachable to a second bracket; a second bracket configured to be mountable to a wall or a ceiling, the second bracket having gripping features on an upper surface for gripping the ceiling and having a receptacle for a support pole; a support pole; six panels; and six spool assemblies, each of the assemblies being attachable to a bottom of a panel for storing a portion of the panel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[00020] Embodiments λλ ill now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[00021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a telescoping panel assembly in a collapsed state;

[00022] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a telescoping panel assembly of

Figure 1 in an extended state;

[00023] Figure 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a telescoping panel support forming part of the telescoping panel assembly of Figures 1 and 2; [00024] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the telescoping panel support in an extended state;

[00025] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a segment and a panel retainer clip forming part of the telescoping panel support of Figure 3;

[00026] Figures 6a and 6b are side elevation views of a panel and the panel retainer clip of Figure 5;

[00027] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the telescoping panel support with a plurality of retainer clips and panels;

[00028] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the telescoping panel support with a plurality of bearings; [00029] Figures 9a and 9b are perspective views of the telescoping panel support and a pulley system;

[00030] Figures 10a and 10b are perspective views of the telescoping panel support and a hydraulic cylinder;

[00031] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the telescoping panel support together with a mounting subassembh ;

[00032] Figures 12 is a perspective view of a telescoping panel support of an alternative embodiment in a collapsed state;

[00033] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a telescoping panel assembly of an alternative embodiment in an extended state; [00034] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the telescoping panel support of Figure 12;

[00035] Figures 15a and 15b are exploded and cross-sectional views of a segment of the telescoping panel support of Figure 12 with a mounting subassembly;

[00036] Figures 16a, 16b, and 16c are perspective views of a telescoping panel assembly of an another alternative embodiment; [00037] Figures 17a and 17b are perspective views of a telescoping panel assembly of still another alternative embodiment;

[00038] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional side view of a telescoping panel support of another alternative embodiment;

[00039] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a telescoping panel assembly comprising the telescoping panel support of Figure 18;

[00040] Figures 20a to 2Oe are various views of a telescoping panel support and an accompanying bracket for use with another alternative embodiment of the telescoping panel assembly;

[00041] Figures 21a to 21c are front and cross sectional side views of a spool assembly for use with telescoping panel assembly of Figure 20;

[00042] Figures 22 is a perspective view of a support pole for use with the telescoping panel assembly of Figure 20; and

[00043] Figures 23a and 23b are perspective views of the telescoping panel aseembly of Figure 20 in the collapsed and extended states, respectively.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[00044] The present invention provides a novel telescoping panel assembly that combines the structural advantages of a telescoping curtain with the aesthetic benefits of a panel curtain. [00045] Turning now to Figure 1, a telescoping panel assembly is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral 16. In the embodiment shown, the panel assembly comprises a coaxial arrangement of telescoping segments 20, 22, 24 and 26.

Segment 20 is sized to receive segments 22, 24, and 26 in a concentrically -nested manner when the arrangement is in a collapsed state, as is depicted in Figure 1. Segment 20 is also configured to be mountable on a support surface, and in the embodiment shown segment 20 is mounted on a wall 30 adjacent to window 32.

From each segment is suspended an associated panel 38.

[00046] Figure 2 show s the telescoping panel assembly in an extended state.

The segments 22, 24, and 26 are extendable in a telescoping manner from segment 20 so as to form a cantilever of connected segments, with each segment supporting a panel 38. When in this extended state, the plurality of panels 38 effectively forms a curtain and thereby provides coverage of window 32.

[00047] Here, it will be appreciated that "telescoping manner ^" refers to fact that segments 20, 22, 24, and 26 are essentially concentric and essentially tubular, connected parts, such that segments 22, 24, and 26 can be made to extend slidably from segment 20 to effectively form a cantilever of connected segments, and can be made to retract into segment 20 to thereby reduce the effective size of the assembly. It will also be here appreciated that "cantilever ^" refers to ability of segments 20, 22, 24, and 26 to effectively form, in an extended state, a beam of connected segments having a first end supported by segment 20 and a second unsupported, free end. [00048] Figure 3 shows a perspective, cross-sectional view of a telescoping panel support, which forms part of the telescoping panel assembly of Figure 1, shown here in the collapsed state. The telescoping panel support comprises segments 20, 22, 24, and 26. The cross sectional view shows how the segments 22, 24 and 26 are concentrically nested within segment 20 when the arrangement of segments is in the collapsed state. The telescoping panel support is an aspect of the assembly but that does not have any panels attached thereto.

[00049] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the telescoping panel support in an extended state. Connected inner segments 22, 24, and 26 have been extended in a telescoping manner from segment 20. Also shown are a plurality of top linear bearings 40 that are positioned between segments 20, 22, 24, and 26, respectively. Top linear bearings 40 operate with other linear and ball bearings, further described below , to facilitate the telescoping motion of connected segments 22, 24, and 26 from segment 20 by reducing the friction therebetween.

[00050] Segments 20, 22, 24, and 26 may be constructed of any material as is desired as understood by one of skill in the art. For example, the segment may be constructed of aluminum or other metal or metal alloy., or may be constructed of a plastic, of a composite material, or of any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, segments 20, 22, 24, and 26 are constructed of plastic, specifically one

from the groups of polyvinyl carbonate ("PVC ^" ) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS ^" ).

[00051] Panel 38 may be constructed of a variety of materials, including fabrics of natural or synthetic fibres or blends thereof. Panel 38 may also be in the form of sheets constructed of at least one of a plastic, a composite material, a metal or metal alloy, a glass, or any combination thereof.

[00052] Turning now to Figure 5, segment 20 is shown to comprise a retainer slot 60 shaped to accommodate a retainer clip 68 used to support panel 38. Retainer clip 68 and panel 38 can be readily inserted into and removed from retainer slot 60 by a sliding motion so as to enable panel 38 to be maintained as necessary, such as for cleaning, repair, or replacement. In the embodiment shown, retainer clip 68 comprises a longitudinal clip capable of supporting panel 38 by a clamping action. [00053] Figure 6 shows this clamping action in further detail, in which the retainer clip 68 and panel 38 are shown together in both a clamped (Figure 6a) and an undamped (Figure 6b) state. Retainer clip 68 is inserted into retainer slot 60 by a sliding action which induces the clamping action, allowing panel 38 to be retained. [00054] Alternatively, the panels may be affixed to the segments by any of a variety of mechanical methods or fasteners known in the art including, but not limited to, hooks, snaps, or hook-and-loop materials such as Velcro™ or a similarly functioning material. Alternatively, the retainer clip and retainer slot combined may be integrally formed with each of the segments.

[00055] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the telescoping panel support in a collapsed state showing how retainer slots 60, 62, 64, and 66 are laterally offset in each of segments 20, 22, 24, and 26, respectively. This offset allows panels 38 to overlap when the plurality of connected segments 20, 22, 24, 26 is in a collapsed or a partially-extended state.

[00056] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the telescoping panel support in a collapsed state show ing a plurality of bearings. In the embodiment shown, the plurality of bearings comprises both linear bearings and ball bearings. The linear bearings comprise top linear bearings 40 and side linear bearings 42. The ball bearings include a plurality of front-side ball bearings 44, a plurality of bottom-side ball bearings 46, and a plurality of back-side ball bearings 48. The bearings are

positioned between segments 20, 22, 24 and 26 and facilitate the extension of the connected segments in a telescoping manner. The linear bearings 40 and 42 serve the purposes of both connecting segments 20, 22, 24, and 26, thereby making extension of these segments in a telescoping manner possible, and of acting as a facilitator for this motion by reducing the sliding friction between the segments. The set of ball bearings serves the purposes of both maintaining a constant lateral spacing between segments 20, 22, 24, 26 during extension and retraction, and of facilitating the sliding motion by further reducing the sliding friction. [00057] In the present embodiment, the telescoping panel assembly also comprises an extension mechanism, which allows a user to extend or retract the assembly. The extension mechanism may comprise a draw, a wand, a pulley system, a hydraulic cylinder, a motorized device, or any combination thereof, or any of a variety of extension mechanisms known in the art. [00058] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the telescoping panel support with a pulley system. In this figure, the telescoping panel support has been made semi-transparent to reveal the pulley system within. The pulley system enables a user to extract and retract the plurality of connected inner segments 22, 24 and 26, and operates in a similar manner to conventional pulley systems for other window coverings, such as those typically used with conventional vertical blinds. The pulley system comprises a draw string 70 which is wound around pulley 72, and which in turn is connected to action string 74. Pulley 72 is rotatably mounted on segment 20, while action string 74 is connected to segment 20 and to segment 26 through the interiors of segments 22 and 24. When the telescoping panel support is in a collapsed state, as shown in Figure 9a, segments 22, 24, and 26 can be telescopically extended by pulling draw string 70, which rotates pulley 72 and in turn extracts segment 26 from segment 20 via action string 74. Because segments 22, 24, and 26 are connected, the extraction of segment 26 will result in the successive extraction of segments 24 and 22 in turn as each segment reaches the end of its respective length of travel. The extraction of segments 22, 24, and 26 results in the telescoping panel support being in an extended state, as shown in Figure 9b.

[00059] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the telescoping panel support comprising a hydraulic cylinder 80. In this figure, the telescoping panel support has

been made semi-transparent to reveal the hydraulic cylinder 80 within. The hydraulic cylinder 80 allow s the plurality of connected inner segments 22, 24 and 26 to be extracted from or retracted into segment 20. Hydraulic cylinder 80 is of the double- acting telescopic variety, and is positioned horizontally in the middle hollow space within the interior of segments 20, 22, 24, and 26. Hydraulic cylinder 80 comprises a barrel base 82, connected to segment 20, and a plunger tip 84, connected to segment 26. When the telescoping panel support is in a collapsed state, shown in Figure 10a, connected inner segments 22, 24, 26 can be telescopically extended by extending hydraulic cylinder 80, which extracts segment 26 via plunger tip 84 from segment 20 assisted by an opposing force from barrel base 82. Because segments 22, 24, and 26 are connected, the extraction of segment 26 will result in the successive extraction of segments 24 and 22 in turn as each segment reaches the end of its respective length of travel. The extraction of segments 22, 24, and 26 results in the support assembly being in the extended state, as shown in Figure 10b. [00060] In one embodiment, an equalizer can be used in conjunction with segments 20, 22, 24, and 26 to enable the segments 22 and 24 to move in unison with segment 26, such that the distance travelled by each of segments 22, 24, and 26 relative to each adjacent segment is equal. This unified motion has aesthetic appeal, as panels 38 will be extracted equal amounts when the arrangement is in a partialh - extended state. If no equalizer is used, segments 22, 24, and 26 extend and retract from segment 20 in an independent manner.

[00061] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a telescoping panel support together with a mounting subassemblv. In the present embodiment, the mounting subassembly comprises a first bracket 90, affixed to segment 20, and a second bracket 92 that is mechanically compatible with first bracket 90. In the embodiment shown, first bracket 90 is longitudinally mounted over a substantial portion of segment 20, and comprises an essentially "C-shaped ^" cross section. Second bracket 92 comprises an essentially "T-shaped ^" cross section, and can be inserted into first bracket 90 by a sliding action. Second bracket 92 is also shown here to comprise a plurality of spirit levels 94, which facilitate the mounting of segment 20 to w all 30 in a horizontal manner. Second bracket 92 also comprises a plurality of screw holes 96 which enable this segment to be affixed to a w all.

[00062] In operation, a user extends the arrangement from a collapsed state, depicted in Figure 1, by pulling on draw string 70 in a first direction, -which causes pulley 72 to rotate in a first direction, thereby pulling action string 74 in a first direction. As action string 74 is connected to segment 26, the pulling of action string 74 extracts segment 26 from a nested position -within segment 20. An equalizer enables segments 22 and 24 to move in unison with segment 26, such that the distance travelled by each segment relative to each adjacent segment is equal. As such, segments 22, 24, and 26 extend teles copically from segment 20. This motion is facilitated by linear bearings 40 and 42 and ball bearings 44, 46, and 48 positioned in between segments 20, 22, 24, and 26. At the end of the length of travel of each of the segments, which is a function of the lengths of linear bearings 40 and 42, the arrangement of segments 20, 22, 24, and 26 is in the extended state. Each segment supports a panel 38 suspended therefrom, each of which is supported by a retainer clip 68 inserted in a retainer slot. In the extended state, the array of panels 38 effectively forms a curtain providing coverage of window 32, as shown in Figure 2. To close the panel assembly, a user pulls draw string 70 in a second direction, causing pulley 72 to rotate in a second direction and thereby pulling action string 74 in a second direction, causing segments 22, 24, and 26 to collapse into segment 20 in a telescoping manner. The lateral offset of retainer slots 60, 62, 64, and 66, each associated with segments 20, 22, 24, and 26, respectively, allows the plurality of panels 38 to overlap when the assembly is in the collapsed state, as shown in Figure 1.

[00063] In an alternative embodiment, more than one of the segments can be configured to be mountable. In one such form, the mountable segment would be the innermost segment, and would therefore be surrounded by the other segments of the arrangement when the arrangement is in the collapsed state. In another form, the mountable segment would be neither the innermost nor the outermost segment, but instead an intermediate one. In this form, the other segments would extend from the mountable segment in both directions. [00064] Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of a telescoping panel support, in which segments 120, 122, 124, and 126 have a substantially cylindrical cross-section. The cross-sectional view shows how the segments 122, 124 and 126 are concentrically nested within segment 120 when the arrangement of segments is in

the collapsed state. Segment 120 is shown to be configured to be mounted to a support surface.

[00065] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the telescoping panel support embodied in Figure 12, shown here in an extended state and with panels 38. Connected inner segments 122, 124, and 126 have been extended in a telescoping manner from segment 120. In the embodiment shown, each of segments 120, 122, 124, and 126 supports an associated panel 38 suspended therefrom. [00066] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the telescoping panel support embodied in Figure 12 in a collapsed state showing a plurality of bearings. In this embodiment, the plurality of bearings comprises ball bearings 142 positioned between segments 120, 122, 124, and 126. Bearings 142 facilitate the extension of the segments 120, 122, 124, and 126 by reducing the sliding friction therebetween, and by maintaining a constant lateral spacing between the segments during telescopic extension and retraction. Although not depicted in Figure 14, segments 120, 122, 124, and 126 may also be fitted with catches so as to define the limits of sliding travel of each of the segments during extension and retraction.

[00067] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the telescoping panel support embodied in Figure 12 together with a mounting subassemblv. In this embodiment, the mounting subassemblv comprises a first bracket 190 affixed to segment 120, and a second bracket 192 that is mechanically compatible with first bracket 190. In the embodiment shown, first bracket 190 is longitudinally mounted over a substantial portion of segment 120, and comprises an essentially "T-shaped ^" cross section. Second bracket 192 comprises a slot 198 having a "C-shaped ^" cross section shaped to accommodate first bracket 190, which can be inserted into second bracket 192 by a sliding action. Also shown is a cap 199 used to cover the ends of second bracket 192 so as to conceal the ends of slot 198, thereby improving the aesthetic appeal of second bracket 192. Second bracket 192 also has a rounded profile so as to be stylistically consistent with the cylindrical shape of segments 120, 122, 124 and 126. [00068] Segments 120, 122, 124, and 126 may be constructed of aluminum or other metal or metal alloy, or may be constructed of a plastic, of a composite material, or of any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, segments 120, 122, 124,

and 126 are constructed of plastic, specifically one from the groups of poh vim lcarbonate ("PVC ^" ) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS ^" ). [00069] Although the above embodiments have been described as comprising a plurality of bearings, where the bearings are positioned between the segments and are at least one of the forms of linear and ball bearings, other forms of bearing, or other friction reducing mechanisms known in the art, such as rollers, may be used. Alternatively, the apparatus can comprise no bearings at all. In this latter form, the sliding friction between the segments may be reduced by inserting strips or pads of a low friction material, such as a Teflon™ , or any low friction material known in the art, between the segments. Alternatively, the segments themselves may be constructed from a low friction material, such as a Teflon™ , or any low friction material known in the art.

[00070] In one embodiment, the telescoping panel support can extend in both a first and a second direction, as is shown in Figure 16. Here, a telescoping panel assembly is mounted on a wall 230 between windows 232 and 236, as shown in Figure 16a. The telescoping panel support comprises segments 220, 222, and 224, and can also extend in a first direction, so as to provide coverage of window 232, and can extend in a second direction, so as to provide coverage of window 236. In one form of this embodiment, all of the segments of the telescoping panel support can extend in both the first and the second directions, as is shown in Figures 16b and 16c. As such, segment 220, 222, and 224 of the telescoping panel support can be described as being "open-ended ^" . In another form, only certain segments of the telescoping panel support can extend in both the first and second directions. In yet another form, certain segments of the telescoping panel support can extend in the first direction only, and the remaining segments can extend in the second direction only.

[00071] In another embodiment, the telescoping panel assembly can comprise two telescoping panel supports, with both supports providing combined support for a single plurality of panels, as shown in Figure 17. In this figure, one telescoping panel support comprises segments 320, 322, and 324, while the other telescoping panel support comprises segments 321, 323, and 325. One form of this embodiment is shown in Figure 17a, in which a plurality of panels 338 is supported at both ends by two telescoping panel supports, where the telescoping supports are mounted on a

vertical wall so as to provide coverage of window 332. Another form is shown in figure 17b, in which a plurality of panels 338 is supported at both ends by two telescoping panel supports, in which the telescoping supports are mounted on a ceiling 331 above wall 330 so as to provide coverage of a skylight window 334. [00072] In another embodiment, the telescoping panel assembly can comprise two telescoping panel supports adjacently connected, as shown in Figure 18. Here, one telescoping panel support comprises segments 420, 422, 424, and 426. Segment 420 is adjacently connected to a second telescoping panel support, which comprises segments 421, 423, 425, and 427. Segment 420 is also configured to be mountable and comprises a first mounting bracket 490 designed to interface with second mounting bracket 492, allowing the assembly to be mounted on wall 430. In one form of the embodiment, shown in Figure 19, a telescoping panel assembly comprising adj acenth -connected first and second telescoping panel supports is mounted on a wall 430 between windows 432 and 436. The panel assembly associated with the first telescoping panel support is extendable in a telescoping manner in a first direction so as to provide coverage of window 432, while the panel assembly associated with the second telescoping panel support is extendable in telescoping manner in a second direction so as to provide coverage of window 436. In another form of the embodiment, a first and a second telescoping panel support that are adj acenth connected can be mounted on a wall adjacent to a window. Here, the panel assemblies associated with both the first and second telescoping panel supports are extendable in the same direction only. In another related embodiment, the telescoping panel assembly can comprise more than two adj acenth -connected telescoping panel supports. [00073] Still another embodiment of the telescoping panel assembly is shown in Figures 20 to 23. Figure 20 shows a telescoping panel support used with the telescoping panel assembly of the present embodiment, which comprises segments 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 529 each having a substantially cylindrical cross section, as shown in Figure 20a. The cross-sectional view shows how the segments 522, 524, 526, 528, 529 are concentrically nested within segment 520 when the arrangement of segments is in the collapsed state. Segment 520 is shown to be configured to be mounted to a support surface.

[00074] Figure 20b is a side cross-sectional view of the telescoping panel support of the present embodiment in a collapsed state showing a plurality of retainer slots 560, 562, 564, 566, 568, and 569, each of which is associated with a respective segment 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 529. Each of retainer slots 560, 562, 564, 566, 568, and 569 is configured to retain at least one respective panel (not shown). Also shown in Figure 20b is a plurality of bearings. Here, the plurality of bearings comprises ball bearings 544 housed in channels between segments 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 529. Ball bearings 544 facilitate the extension of the assembly of segments 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 529 by reducing the sliding friction therebetween, and by maintaining a constant lateral spacing between the segments during telescopic extension and retraction.

[00075] The mounting subassembly used with the telescoping panel support of the present embodiment is shown in Figures 20b and 20c. The mounting subassembly comprises a first bracket 590, affixed to segment 520, and a second bracket 592, which is shown in a front elevation view in Figure 20c. First bracket 590, which is mechanically compatible with second bracket 592, is longitudinally mounted over a substantial portion of segment 520 and comprises an essentially "T-shaped ^" cross section. Second bracket 592 comprises a slot 598 having a "C-shaped ^" cross section shaped to accommodate first bracket 590, which is inserted into second bracket 592 by a sliding action. Second bracket 592 comprises a plurality of bottom screw holes 591 that allows first bracket 590 to be affixed to second bracket 592 by means of screws (not shown). Second bracket 592 is configured to be mounted to either a vertical surface, such as a w all, or to a horizontal surface, such as a ceiling. Consquently, second bracket 592 comprises a plurality of first screw holes 593 that allows second bracket 592 to be affixed to a wall by means of screws (not shown), and second bracket 592 also comprises a plurality of second screw holes 595 that allows second bracket 592 to be affixed to a ceiling by means of screws (not shown). Second bracket 592 may thus be affixed to a w all, to a ceiling, or to both. Second bracket also has gripping features on an upper outer surface that prevent slippage at the interface between second bracket 592 and a ceiling. These gripping features include a plurality of rear gripping teeth 586, a set of forward gripping teeth 587, and a gripping surface 588. Gripping surface 588 is typically a sheet or pad of rubber, but

may be any material that prevents slippage betw een second bracket 592 and a ceiling. Second bracket 592 also comprises a tapped bore 597 configured to engage an upper end of a support pole, and a spirit level 594 for assisting in the level mounting of second bracket 592 to a wall or to a ceiling. [00076] Figure 2Od shows cross-sectional views of segments 520 and 522.

Segment 520 has a plurality of inner channels 543 that are each sized to accommodate a plurality of ball bearings 544. On its outer surface, segment 522 has a plurality of corresponding outer grooves 545, each of which are positioned to correspond with a respective inner channel 543 on the inner surface of segment 520. Similarly, segment 522 also has a plurality of inner channels 543, each of which corresponds with a respective outer groove 545 on an outer surface of segment 524 (not shown). Figure 2Oe is a side view of an inner surface of segment 520, showing the "racetrack ^" shape of inner channel 543, around which a plurality of ball bearings 544 are free to roll for facilitating the sliding motion of segment 522 relative to segment 520. [00077] Figures 21 a, 21 b, and 21c show side and cross-sectional views of a spool assembly 550 for use with the telescoping panel support of the present embodiment. Spool assembly 550 is fitted generally to the bottom of panel 538 and comprises an inner cylinder 552 around which an excess length of panel 538 is wound. A housing 554 surrounds inner cylinder 552, and has a slot 553 to accommodate panel 538. Housing 554 may be made of a clear plastic material, such as acrylic, or may be made of any suitable material known in the art. A winding mechanism comprising both a knob 556 and a winding device (not shown) is positioned at one end of the cylinder 552. In use, spool assembly 550 allows a user to store any excess length of panel 538, as desired, by using a winding mechanism to wind a bottom portion of panel 538 around inner cylinder 552 contained within housing 554. Spool assembly 550 thereby allows the panel 538 to be custom-fitted to a window of any size, such as for example a window that is shorter than panel 538, and obviates the need for cutting or otherwise permanently shortening panel 538. [00078] Figure 22 shows a perspective view of a support pole 555 for use with the telescoping panel support of the present embodiment. Support pole 555 comprises an upper shaft 557 and a lower shaft 559. Upper and lower shafts 557 and 559 are connected by means of a compression coupler 561, which is itself coupled to a

compressiveh -biased spring 563 housed within lower shaft 559. Turning compressive coupler 561 allows the length of support pole 555 to be either extended or shortened, depending on the turning direction. Also shown in the figure is base 565 coupled to the bottom of lower shaft 559, and a threaded member 567 sized to engage tapped bore 597 located on the underside of second bracket 592. In use, support pole 555 serves as an optional and adjustable support for second bracket 592, and any telescoping panel assembly attached thereto. Support pole 555 may also be used for the situation in which second bracket 592 is not permanently affixed to either a wall or a ceiling by means of fastening screws or otherwise, which typically would require a user to drill into dπ wall or concrete. Use of support pole 555 therefore provides a non-permanent means of supporting the telescoping panel assembly of the present embodiment to the user, allowing the user to readily move the assembly to another location as desired in a facile manner and without incurring visible damage to the wall or ceiling. It may be appreciated that spool assembly 550 and support pole 555 together allow the telescoping panel assembly of the present embodiment to be set-up in a quick and easy fashion to provide coverage for a window of any size and without the need for tools.

[00079] In operation, the telescoping panel assembly 516, shown in Figures 23a and 23b, is installed by a user by first positioning second bracket 592 against either a wall 530 or against a ceiling, or both. The user may affix second bracket 592 permanently to wall 530 or to the ceiling using screws, as described above. Alternatively, second bracket 592 may be held against the corner formed between wall 530 and the ceiling by using support pole 555, without requiring any tools to drill holes for screws, or otherwise. Support pole 555 has an adjustable height, as described above, and comprises a base 565 contacting a floor. Once second bracket 592 is mounted, first bracket 590, which is connected to segment 520, is inserted into second bracket 592, and is then fastened to second bracket 592 using screws, as described above. At this point, the telescoping panel support assembly comprising segments 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 529, with each segment supporting a respective panel 538, is in a mounted state. The length of each panel 538 can then be adjusted as desired using a spool assembly 550, which is attached to the bottom of each panel 538, by winding a portion of panel 538 into the assembly. Once the length

of each panel 538 has been adjusted as desired, the telescoping panel assembly 516 is read} for use. A user then extends the arrangement from a collapsed state, depicted in Figure 23a, by any means known in the art, such as by a v\ and, a draw , a pulley system, or a hydraulic cylinder. An equalizer may be used to enable segments 522, 524, 526, and 528 to move in unison with segment 529, such that the distance travelled by each segment relative to each adjacent segment is equal. Segments 522, 524, 526, 528, and 529 extend telescopically from segment 520 by means of a sliding motion. This sliding motion is facilitated by ball bearings 544 rolling through inner channels 543 and outer grooves 545 within the segments. At the end of the length of travel of each of the segments, the arrangement of segments 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 529 is in the extended state. Each segment supports a panel 538 suspended therefrom, each of which is supported by a retainer clip inserted in a retainer slot. In the extended state, shown in Figure 23b, the array of panels 538 effectively forms a curtain providing coverage of window 532. When in the collapsed state, as shown in Figure 23a, the lateral offset of retainer slots 560, 562, 564, 566, 568, and 569, each associated with segments 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 529, respectively, allows the plurality of panels 538 to overlap.

[00080] The segments of the telescoping panel assemblies and telescoping panel supports embodied above may be constructed of aluminum or other metal or metal alloy, or may be constructed of a plastic, of a composite material, or of any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the segments are constructed of plastic, specifically one from the groups of poh vim lcarbonate ("PVC ^" ) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS ^" ). [00081] The panels of the telescoping panel assemblies embodied above may be constructed of a variety of materials, including fabrics of natural or synthetic fibres or blends thereof. The panels may also be in the form of sheets constructed of at least one of a plastic, a composite material, a metal or metal alloy, a glass, or any combination thereof. [00082] While the above embodiments describe telescoping panel supports comprising either three or four connected segments, any number of segments may be used within a single telescoping panel support, such that coverage can be provided for an area of anv size as necessary.

[00083] While the above embodiments describe telescoping panel supports comprising segments each supporting an associated panel, any number of the segments of a telescoping panel support may support, or may be configured to support, an associated panel. [00084] While the above embodiments describe telescoping panel supports as comprising segments each supporting one associated panel, any number of panels may be supported from any given segment of a telescoping panel support. [00085] While the above embodiments describe the telescoping panel assembly as being mounted on a wall or ceiling, it may be appreciated that the assembly may be mounted on any surface.

[00086] While the above embodiments describe the telescoping panel supports as comprising segments having a substantially square, rectangular, or circular cross- section, any cross sectional shape may be used for the segments. [00087] While the above embodiments describe the telescoping panel assemblies as providing coverage of a window, windows, or skylight windows, it may be appreciated that the above-described telescoping panel assemblies may provide coverage of a door, an entrance, a wall, a wall section, a ceiling, or a ceiling section. The above-described panel assemblies may also be mounted such that the arrangement of telescoping segments extends into the interior volume of a room, so as to serve as a room divider, as a screen for a room, or as a curtain, such as for a shower.

[00088] While the above embodiments describe the telescoping panel assemblies as being mounted indoors, it may be appreciated that the above-described telescoping panel assemblies may alternatively be mounted outdoors. [00089] While the above embodiments describe the telescoping panel assemblies, the product may be sold or manufactured in any form, including as a telescoping panel assembly, as a telescoping panel support, as an assembly kit for a telescoping panel. [00090] Although embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.